By Cecilia Nasmith

A favourite route for a summer drive in Cobourg will go one-way this summer, council decided at this week's committee-of-the-whole meeting.

Since 2017, the traffic and parking patterns on Lower Division Street (also known as the Esplanade area) have been studied. A popular area for its proximity to the harbour, it parallels the boats parked at the marina slips between Division Street and Third Street. As a result, pedestrian and congestion concerns have been exacerbated.

Starting May 1, council voted this week that it will be a one-way route, going east-to-west on a trial basis throughout the months of May, June, July and August.

The motion also called for an entrance-only entry on Division Street and an exit-only outlet on Third Street to be created at an estimated cost of $5,000 (to be taken from the parking reserve).

Councillor Emily Chorley made an amendment to the motion calling for Director of Public Works Laurie Wills to prepare a report at the end of the four-month trial period.

“Staff should take some time to assess how they worked, and whether we are introducing enough traffic-calming measures in the area or whether there are additional methods we can use,” Chorley said.

“Some of the feedback we have received suggests we may need to go further, but I think this is a good first step.”

Wills agreed to prepare the report in time for the Oct. 15 committee-of-the-whole meeting.